Who hires 14-year-olds in Maryland?

A:

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Any business in Maryland may hire a 14-year-old employee as long as the employee obtains a work permit and the business is not hiring him to perform a hazardous occupation as defined by the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry. The business must also adhere to state-mandated working hour restrictions.

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Many jobs are off-limits to all minors in Maryland. Some examples include roofing, driving, operation of dangerous equipment, mining and any job that requires handling of alcoholic beverages or toxic materials.

Minors who are between14 and 17 years of age must obtain a work permit once they have been offered a job. Permit paperwork is available for download from the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry's website. The work permit must be signed by the minor, his parent and the employer. Each time the minor changes jobs, a new work permit must be issued.

Maryland requires employers to ensure minors do not work more than 4 hours per day on any school day, work more than 8 hours per day on non-school days or work before 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, minors may work until 9:00 p.m. Employers must also provide a 30-minute break at least every 5 hours.